It is commendable to take the first steps toward overcoming addiction. However, it can be very dangerous to detox on your own, so it’s important to use an Arizona detox provider with medical professionals on hand to assist with the process. Desert Cove Recovery provides detox referrals to professional detox centers if someone needs medical supervision during withdrawal prior to addiction treatment.
Those who have become addicted have been experiencing dopamine hits to the brain, providing temporary relief from the stresses of their lives. However, what ended up happening was so much worse than what they had been trying to avoid. Now, their primary concern is getting the brain, and the body used to sober living again.
However, the process to get there involves reversing what occurred, pulling away from the effects that caused the addiction to take hold. This time is generally filled with quite a bit of anguish and discomfort. Of course, it is very much worth it in the end, but getting there is not easy, and it should not be done alone for comfort and, more importantly, safety reasons.
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So, Why Is It Dangerous to Detox on Your Own?
In many cases, not checking into an Arizona detox center during this part of the recovery process results in dangerous physical symptoms such as seizures without any professional help nearby to assist. It should also be noted that delirium tremens, which consist of a rapid heartbeat and a sense of confusion, occur in many who are recovering from alcohol addiction and, in some cases, result in death.
Physical Discomfort
Other possible withdrawal symptoms that provide physical discomfort include aches, constipation, diarrhea, fever, headaches, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, memory problems, nausea, panic attacks, seizures, tremors, and vomiting. These vary depending on the substance that was being used, but an individual may experience a variety of these symptoms.
The main reason why detox can be such a shock to the body is that when alcohol or drugs were introduced to the brain, it started being flooded by certain chemicals, which caused the brain to produce more countering ones to balance it out. However, once the substance is removed, the brain still sends all of those countering chemicals in high numbers, and the situation is out of balance again.
Mental Side Effects
The mental side effects of detoxing should not be discounted, as experiencing those at home are much more apt to end the detox and return to the substance being used. The desire to resume regular use is extremely high during this step of the recovery process, and it’s important to be able to push past this point. Assistance is often necessary for this to occur.
Specific withdrawal symptoms related to the mental side of the recovery process include agitation, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, insomnia, lack of interest in things that used to be viewed as important, mood changes, nightmares, and oversleeping.
Lack of Support
It’s also beneficial to simply have others around during this trying time, as detoxing at home often leaves that person completely alone during one of the most difficult times of their lives. This type of setting, detoxing at home, can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Possible Overdose
It’s important also to point out that those who relapse while detoxing at home are much more apt to experience an overdose, which can be deadly as the body is often not ready for the dosage it’s being provided. This is due to the person returning to previous dosage amounts, which may be too much for the body to handle once the detox process has started. The odds of this situation occurring increase the longer the detox period has lasted, but it can still occur during the process’s early stages.
What Can Detox Centers Provide?
One of the most significant benefits of being in a professional environment during this challenging time is simply having a medical professional nearby who can help should a dangerous situation develop suddenly and unexpectedly. This immediate medical intervention can and does save lives. For example, should a seizure occur, someone would be there to intervene and help, which would not be possible if detoxing at home.
Another reason why detoxing without the assistance of qualified Arizona detox professionals doesn’t lead to sustained recovery is the failure to address any underlying issues that caused the substance abuse to begin. Addiction is a complex disorder that requires a safe detox and treatment options that will help set the individual up for lasting success.
Desert Cove Recovery can refer you to a detox center with trained medical professionals who are willing to walk you safely through detox. We will work to uncover the underlying issues through therapy sessions and other treatment options.
Probably one of the most important things to consider is that detoxing is not easy. If it were, there would be significantly fewer people addicted to drugs or alcohol, and detox centers would be few and far between. It’s difficult to jump over this significant hurdle of the recovery process, and it becomes so much more difficult and dangerous when attempting to do so on your own.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one is looking to take this important first step on the recovery path, contact Desert Cove Recovery today. We will provide a referral to a safe place and medical professionals on hand to ensure that the detox process is done safely and get you started on your road to recovery.